Louisiana Sports: New Orleans Saints, LSU, Hornets, Kragthorpe, Brees

New LSU offensive coordinator Steve Kragthorpe has a helluva job ahead of him. He will be charged with turning around a moribund passing attack that finished an embarrassing 107th (155.8) in passing yards per game. Even more staggering, just seven Division I-A schools had fewer than 10 touchdowns thrown by Tigers quarterbacks in 2010. Despite losing running back Stevan Ridley to the NFL draft, there's some hope at running back with the younger guys ready to step up and some hope at quarterback with Zach Mettenberger, in the running for Georgia's starting job last spring, has transferred to LSU from the JUCO ranks. When it comes to quarterback talent, he's a significant upgrade over Jordan Jefferson. Tigers fans are hoping for a Cam Newton story...

Saints secondary coach Dennis Allen will interview for defensive coordinator jobs with the Broncos and Eagles this weekend. However, he is a darkhorse to land either of those jobs. Former Falcons and Seahawks coach Jim Mora turned down the Denver job...Saints punter Thomas Morstead has had successful shoulder surgery. It is likely Pierre Thomas will have surgery on his damaged ankle...Drew Brees has been selected by fellow NFL players to receive the 2011 Bart Starr Award. The award honors a player for his outstanding character and leadership in the home, on the field and in the community. Starr will present the award to Brees at the 24th annual NFL-sanctioned Super Bowl breakfast on Feb. 8 at Grapevine,Tex...

The Hornets will host their annual Top Hats and High Tops fund raising gala presented by 7 Up, Cox and Ochsner on Thursday, Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. at the Audubon Tea Room. The evening will feature entertainment by Kermit Ruffins, live and silent auctions and the opportunity to enjoy a seated formal dinner with the entire Hornets team and coaching staff. All proceeds raised during the evening will help provide financial support for the Hornets' community efforts including rebuilding playgrounds, encouraging exercise and healthy habits to youngster's and providing students with educational resources to be successful in and out of the classroom. Gold table packages are available for $4,000 and includes seating for eight. Purple packages are available for $2,500 and includes seating for 10...I never get my mix all talked up...

Six former LSU football players will be after a berth in the Super Bowl on Sunday when the NFL holds its conference championship games.

A total of five former LSU players will take part in the NFC Championship Game when Green Bay travels to Chicago to face the Bears at 2 p.m. CT on FOX.

Green Bay’s roster features three LSU players, including backup quarterback Matt Flynn, backup fullback Quinn Johnson and backup defensive lineman Howard Green. Flynn and Johnson are both in their third year with the Packers, while Green has bounced around the NFL, playing for six teams in seven years in the league.

Two LSU All-Americans are on the Bears roster – backup safety Craig Steltz and offensive guard Herman Johnson. Steltz is in his third year with the Bears, while Johnson was picked up from Arizona’s practice squad following week 14 of this year.

The Steelers-Jets AFC Championship game, featuring former LSU standout Ryan Clark, starts at 5:30 CT on CBS on Sunday. Clark, who is in his ninth year in the NFL (fifth with the Steelers), is among the team leaders with 90 tackles and two interceptions. Clark is the starting free safety for Pittsburgh and the only former Tiger taking part in the AFC Championship Game.

Currently, LSU has a streak of nine consecutive years with a former player participating in the Super Bowl. LSU’s also had 23 former players win a Super Bowl ring.

Ed Staton is a former sports writer for the Times Picayune and New Orleans States Item. He also served as the New Orleans Saints Information Director. He has won 43 media awards in writing, design and photography.

Watch Bernie Pinsonat discuss current poll numbers, the US Senate race, Congressional races, upcoming Louisiana legislative session, Governor John Bel Edwards' popularity, favorables of other elected officials, future political races such as Treasurer, Attorney General and more topics.